ice machines Archives

Is It Time to Replace Your Ice Maker Machine?

December 22, 2023

There is nothing quite like a cold beverage filled with refreshing ice. Whether it’s a Coke or even water, nothing quite compares to fresh ice. Ice machines are a necessary part of every commercial kitchen. They can enhance the beverages you offer but they do require regular maintenance. A quality ice machine can last over a decade or more if taken care of. Is it time to replace your ice maker machine? Below, you will find helpful tips to determine the quality of your current ice machine.

Is It Time to Replace Your Ice Maker Machine?

There are a number of signs that indicate it’s time to get a new ice machine. Serving quality ice is important as it can dramatically improve a drink. If you notice any of the following, consider purchasing a new ice machine in the near future.

Poor Ice Quality:

A working ice machine should produce consistent and quality ice. This includes the shape, appearance, and taste. If you notice changes in the quality of ice the machine produces, it can be a sign of internal problems. Ice maker machines require regular maintenance, so examine the issue as soon as it arises.

Reduced Production:

Changes in the amount of ice produced indicate potential issues. If you regularly maintain and clean your ice machine, the production issue could be due to natural wear and tear. Before you replace the machine, clean the machine properly. If the issue persists, contact a beverage equipment supplier for a new ice machine.

Slime Buildup:

It’s necessary to clean your ice machine regularly. If you don’t clean the machine, it can easily impact the quality of ice. Slime buildup can produce cloudy ice that has a yellow or green tint. This is not only unsightly, but it can also be a health hazard. People with weakened immune systems can get really sick from contaminated ice. If this buildup has occurred for too long, it’s time to replace your ice machine to reduce the risk of illness in patrons.

Mineral Deposits:

Local water companies are responsible for removing contaminants from the water. However, they only remove the ones that are harmful to human health. Other minerals left over can impact the quality of your ice. Most often, mineral deposits lead to ice that looks cloudy and has a smelly taste. Excess mineral deposits can impact the quality of your ice and your business. Consider purchasing a new ice machine and regularly cleaning and managing it for optimal ice production.

Old Machine:

Older machines may malfunction and require new parts. This can be difficult to address as older machines may have obsolete parts. If you are struggling with an older ice machine, despite regular maintenance and cleaning, it may be time to replace it. Starting fresh can be beneficial for your business. New ice machines require less maintenance than older machines. They are also less likely to break down due to wear and tear.

The Importance of Quality Ice

Americans are known for their obsession with ice. Quality ice that is refreshing and satisfying is something people desire and prioritize when choosing a place to eat. Quality ice significantly improves soft drinks, cocktails, and even water. They also maintain the temperature of the drink so it stays cold for your entire meal. Due to the importance of ice to patrons, it’s important to ensure you serve quality ice. Serving quality ice starts with an ice machine that delivers. Getting a new ice machine can be a great investment in your business. Continue to clean and maintain your ice machine regularly for the best results.

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Can Ice Machines Get Mold?

June 16, 2022

The environment created by your ice machine may seem formidable to you, but it’s an absolute paradise for mold. In order to keep mold in check, it is important to completely clean out your commercial ice maker at least once every six months. So can ice machines get mold?

Can Ice Machines Get Mold?

If you prepare any food within 10-15 feet of your ice machine, then you should step up cleanings to once every three months to be safe.

How Do You Clean a Commercial Ice Machine?

Cleaning your commercial ice makers in Los Angeles is a bit of a hassle. Unless you have somewhere to store enough extra ice to last for the entire day, you should only clean your ice machine after closing. When your ice maker is due for a cleaning, plan on having one employee spend about an hour cleaning.

Step 1: Empty the Ice

The first step is to completely empty your ice machine of ice. You will likely have to dispose of this ice down the sink unless you have another ice machine that can hold it. If there is any mold in your ice machine, then you should dispose of the ice regardless.

Step 2: Address Problem Areas

If you do see mold, then you will want to address those areas first. You can either create a 20/80 chlorine and water mixture, or you can buy one premixed. For safety reasons, it is often better to buy the premixed solution.

Spray the areas where you see mold and let it sit for a few moments. Wipe the surface down with a clean towel. Rinse the towel thoroughly and wipe down the surface again to help remove residual chlorine.

Step 3: Deep Cleaning

Once you’ve removed mold, slime, and other problem spots, it’s time for the deep clean. In a clean spray bottle, you can combine a mixture of mild dish soap and water. Spray down the interior of the basket, scoop, exterior, and any other parts that you can safely clean.

Once the solution has been sprayed over the area where you are working, wipe down the area with a clean, damp towel. Rinsing the towel and wiping a second time may be necessary if there is still residue present.

Step 4: Allow Your Ice Machine to Resume Making Ice

Cleaning your ice maker after closing gives the machine ample time to refill overnight. While you may choose to clean the machine before opening or during a slow day, you should know that it will be several hours before you have enough ice to keep up even if traffic is slow.

How Do You Prevent Mold Growth?

Obviously, mold can grow pretty fast, and you don’t want to be constantly cleaning your ice maker. Other than maintaining a regular cleaning schedule, there are three other steps you can take to reduce the risk of mold growth.

Replace Air Filters Clean:

Mold needs moisture and food to thrive. Clean air filters are far less likely to let through particles that mold can feed on. To learn more about your air filters and their maintenance, contact your beverage company and ask about your particular model.

Use an Ozone Generator:

While it isn’t necessary, an ozone generator can help to keep your ice maker more sterile in between cleanings. It’s an option that may be worthwhile if you’re struggling to keep mold at bay.

Maintain Your Machine Regularly:

Cleaning is important, but so is regular maintenance. Peruse your user manual to learn more about the model’s maintenance schedule and potential problem areas. If you no longer have your manual, contact the manufacturer.

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How to Clean an Ice Machine?

March 7, 2022

Cleaning your ice machine regularly is a simple task that makes a big difference. Sure, it’s important for the hygiene of your restaurant and the safety of your guests, but it’s more than that. Infrequently cleaned ice machines can produce ice with unwanted additives that affect the flavor of everything they touch. Let’s figure out how to clean an ice machine.

How to Clean an Ice Machine?

If you’re going to spend the money on high quality drink machines from SC Beverage, then your restaurant should benefit every day from that investment. Fortunately, keeping your ice machine clean is actually really easy. It just takes a little time.

How Often Should You Clean an Ice Machine?

At the bare minimum, every restaurant, bar, and café should deep clean their ice machine every six months. In reality, you should actually deep clean every three months if you want to limit the build-up of unwelcome elements in your equipment.

If your local water conditions are less than ideal or you use your ice machines more frequently than the typical establishment, then you may consider performing more frequent deep cleanings. Here’s how:

Step 1: Remove the Ice

Power off your machine and scoop out as much ice as possible. If you’re required to perform a deep cleaning during operational hours, then bag as much ice as you can and place it safely in your walk-in. Allow any remaining ice to completely melt, and drain the machine.

Step 2: Start Cleaning

Large commercial ice makers often have an automated wash cycle. If yours has one, then just press the button and add a manufacturer-approved cleaner as the water fills. If your ice machine is a simpler model, then fill a clean bucket with warm water and the manufacturer-approved cleaner.

Step 3: Remove and Clean Internal Components

Carefully remove the internal components according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Pour a portion of your diluted cleaning solution into a smaller container, or make a separate batch. Allow the internal components to soak in the diluted cleaning solution for a few minutes, then gently scrub them with a soft-bristled brush. Make sure that all mineral deposits are cleared off the internal components, and rinse them in clean water. Place them out to air dry while you clean the interior of the machine.

Step 4: Clean the Interior

If your ice machine doesn’t have an automatic cleaning setting, then you’ll want to carefully scrub out the interior of your ice machine with a clean towel and your diluted cleaning solution. Using a towel will allow you to get a better feel for when mineral deposits have been successfully removed. Once it’s clean, rinse the interior of the machine repeatedly until the water runs clear.

Step 5: Clean the Exterior

People touch your ice machine all day every day, making it the home to countless bacteria. Carefully sanitize and rinse your towel or use a new one to scrub down the outside of your machine using the diluted cleaning solution. As with everything else, you will need to wipe all of these surfaces down with clean water to wash away any remaining solution.

Step 6: Put it Back Together

Once the interior components are fully air dried you’re all set to put your Los Angeles ice machines back together. Follow your manufacturer’s instructions to make sure that everything is placed correctly. Then you can turn your ice machine back on, and you’re back in business with a squeaky clean ice machine and perfectly flavor-free ice.

Getting in the Habit

It may take a little longer at first, but once you get the hang of it you’ll find that a deep clean of your ice machine only takes about 30 minutes. Keep in mind that it will take longer if you have more mineral build-up, so you may want to increase the frequency of your deep cleaning if you’re regularly running into a lot of lime or scale build-up. Once you get into the habit of keeping your equipment in the best shape possible, you won’t ever want to go back.

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